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Java Characters

A char is a Java type that holds one character in single quotes. A String holds a sequence of characters in double quotes.

A char printed

The letter variable holds the single character A. The print line shows A.

public class Main {
  public static void main(String[] args) {
    char letter = 'A';
    System.out.println(letter);
  }
}

Two chars printed

Each variable holds one character. The two print lines show H and then i.

public class Main {
  public static void main(String[] args) {
    char first = 'H';
    char second = 'i';
    System.out.println(first);
    System.out.println(second);
  }
}

A char against a String

The char holds one letter in single quotes. The String holds a whole word in double quotes.

public class Main {
  public static void main(String[] args) {
    char letter = 'J';
    String word = "Java";
    System.out.println(letter);
    System.out.println(word);
  }
}

A char is a number code

The char A prints as a letter on its own. Adding 1 treats it as its code and prints 66.

public class Main {
  public static void main(String[] args) {
    System.out.println('A');
    System.out.println('A' + 1);
  }
}

Example

public class Main {
  public static void main(String[] args) {
    char grade = 'B';
    char mark = '7';
    String label = "Grade";
    System.out.println(label);
    System.out.println(grade);
    System.out.println(mark);
  }
}

Key points

  • A char value sits in single quotes.
  • A char holds exactly one character.
  • A String value sits in double quotes.
  • A String can hold many characters or none.
  • Each char has a numeric code.
  • The code for the letter A is 65.

In this example, the label variable holds the String Grade. The grade variable holds the single char B. The mark variable holds the single char 7, which is a character and not the number seven.

Note

A char in single quotes and a one-letter String in double quotes are different types.

Try it Yourself

Edit the code, then press Run.

Running is simulated · Programiz Java Compiler

Exercise

How many characters can a char variable hold?